Autoimmune Specialist Brisbane Northside

Patients are increasingly suffering from autoimmune problems that require referrals to specialists from our GPs. Humans have an immune system comprised of unique cells that fight germs, virus, and foreign entities that can attack the body. However, there has been a notable increase in individuals afflicted with autoimmune diseases over the last 50 years. Autoimmune diseases are caused when the immune system mistakenly identifies healthy tissues as a threat to the body. As a result, the immune system attacks the healthy tissues instead of the harmful ones. This can cause heat and pain in the body part affected.

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The Causes of Autoimmune Diseases

Over the years of research, there has been an estimate of 80-100 autoimmune disorders discovered. The most popular ones are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, alopecia, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, myasthenia gravis, are some of the most known autoimmune diseases. A protein leakage in the gastrointestinal wall is observed to be one of the root causes of autoimmune diseases. This happens as the body’s response to aging, excessive consumption of alcohol and tobacco, stress, poor diet, and toxins like heavy metals.

Once antibodies are developed against the leakage in the gastrointestinal wall, cytokines are produced and cause local inflammation.

The Different Autoimmune Specialists

There is no single doctor for autoimmune diseases. Usually, the general practitioner would be referring a patient to a specialist who can better address the condition. Some autoimmune specialists are as follows:

Individuals at Risk for Autoimmune Diseases

Women of childbearing age. Apart from women being at greater risk compared to men, autoimmune diseases often start during the childbearing years.

Family history. Some autoimmune diseases are passed on to generations due to genetics and inheriting the illness can be possible.

Environment. Exposure to chemicals or environmental factors can trigger or worsen autoimmune diseases.

Ethnicity. There are autoimmune diseases that are more common in certain groups. An example would be Lupus, which is common to African-American and Hispanic people.

Symptoms of Autoimmune Diseases

If an individual is experiencing any of these symptoms, especially a combination of them, it might be best to be checked by a general practitioner for evaluation:

Muscle pain or weakness

Weight loss or weight gain

Poor heat or cold tolerance

Insomnia

Irregular heartbeat

Rashes that are recurring on the nose and cheeks

Difficulty concentrating

Hair loss

White patches on the skin or inside the mouth

Abdominal pain

Bowel movement issues

Miscarriages (for women)

Numbness of hands and feet

Addressing autoimmune diseases is a multi-faceted approach. Apart from strengthening the immune system, right nutrition, lifestyle change, and medication should also be incorporated. Educating oneself on the triggers is also vital in managing the diseases.